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Post Info TOPIC: Starter Support Bracket
Beau 69


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Starter Support Bracket
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I would like advice whether it is a good idea to install starter support bracket

on BBC install? I am hoping there won't be heat issues but bucking the starter 

can wear it out in a hurry. The block was cracked and welded where starter attaches

across bolt holes, would it make sense to install support bracket and make sure it

is shimmed properly? I will also use a heat blanket since it's there.

 

Thanks



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4SPEED427


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Absolutely, never delete the starter bracket. It's amazing how much a starter can wobble when it's cranking if that bracket is not on there.

That 454 was cracked there? Did you have it welded up, or had it already been repaired previous?

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
73SC


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What does this bracket look like and where can I get one? My 454 never came to me with one.



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Ray White, Toronto ON

1973 LeMans 454 "Astro-Jet"

Built March 9, 1973 - Oshawa ON

1993 Corvette Convertible LT 1

Built January 10, 1993 - Bowling Green Kentucky 

 
4SPEED427


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It looks like this one.

The two long bolts holding the starter together are not the same. The top one should have a stud sticking out of it.

One end mounts on the upper bolt on the flat end of the starter (some call that the front, some call that the back) on the stud that sticks out. The other end of the brace/bracket is held on the to the block by a little short bolt, I believe maybe 1/4" by about 1" long, maybe a touch shorter than that.

This is an important piece that people always toss in the garbage. It can make a noisy starter on a GM (flywheel grinding noise while cranking) a lot quieter. http://www.ebay.com/itm/65-91-NOS-Chevy-Big-Block-Starter-Bracket-Camaro-Chevelle-Corvette-Nova-Truck-/360980368798?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item540c1b4d9e&vxp=mtr



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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
4SPEED427


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3965588 is still available from GM for $10.59 if anyone wants to get one from their dealer.

Don't leave home without it!

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
73SC


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Thanks Carl, I don't see the picture you reference but the PN is super helpful. 



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Ray White, Toronto ON

1973 LeMans 454 "Astro-Jet"

Built March 9, 1973 - Oshawa ON

1993 Corvette Convertible LT 1

Built January 10, 1993 - Bowling Green Kentucky 

 
4SPEED427


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73SC wrote:

Thanks Carl, I don't see the picture you reference but the PN is super helpful. 




Oh, you mean the link I forgot and added just now???!!!

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
73SC


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Many Thanks, I might have that little sucker in my box of brackets that came with the engine.



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Ray White, Toronto ON

1973 LeMans 454 "Astro-Jet"

Built March 9, 1973 - Oshawa ON

1993 Corvette Convertible LT 1

Built January 10, 1993 - Bowling Green Kentucky 

 
Beau 69


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Carl Stevenson wrote:

Absolutely, never delete the starter bracket. It's amazing how much a starter can wobble when it's cranking if that bracket is not on there.

That 454 was cracked there? Did you have it welded up, or had it already been repaired previous?

 Carl , there are 3 bolt holes in a triangle corner, down the block, and inward, the repair looks OK, not a game changer. 

I don't  think it will be an issue, I'll make sure it's secure in spite of the welds. Forgot to get a pic.  



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Beau 69


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Carl Stevenson wrote:

3965588 is still available from GM for $10.59 if anyone wants to get one from their dealer.

Don't leave home without it!

 You mean you don't have duplicate parts for most  BBC's in the barn. I'm going to contact Rydell GM

in Grand Forks, thru GMPP and see if I can track one down.



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4SPEED427


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Contact me if you can't get a bracket easily, I can order one for you.

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
Taylor55


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It just amazes me how many times I have seen rebuilt starters installed and the person doing the job was just too lazy to reinstall the support bracket not only on big blocks but small blocks as well . The older starters were very heavy and needed this bracket GM engineers were doing really smart things back in the 60's.

 

Al



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4SPEED427


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I learned about these waaaaaay back when I had a 327 with a noisy starter. An older mechanic asked me if the brace was on and I of course had not bothered. He told me to put it on, and sure enough, LARGE difference in cranking noise.

I've seen guys ruin flexplates when these are absent.

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
73SC


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Installation diagram....

3864972_brace.jpg



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Ray White, Toronto ON

1973 LeMans 454 "Astro-Jet"

Built March 9, 1973 - Oshawa ON

1993 Corvette Convertible LT 1

Built January 10, 1993 - Bowling Green Kentucky 

 
Beau 69


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73SC wrote:

Installation diagram....

3864972_brace.jpg

 Perfect............. thanks for the diagram, I'll use it with my install....... Did you find a bracket in your box of extra parts?

Ordered one on Ebay for $10.50.

 

Les



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seventy2plus2


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The proper bolt where it fastens to the block will set you back another $15 or so.   Or you can use a 5/16" NC x 3/4" or so long standard bolt and lockwasher.

 



-- Edited by seventy2plus2 on Friday 11th of July 2014 12:13:18 PM

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deleted


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.....those support brackets serve a purpose and really help hold the starter and prevent breaking the bolts or worse breaking the block. Especially on diesels, I've seen a few break off cause who ever was too lazy to put the bracket back on.

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Beau 69


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Johnny Ringo wrote:

.....those support brackets serve a purpose and really help hold the starter and prevent breaking the bolts or worse breaking the block. Especially on diesels, I've seen a few break off cause who ever was too lazy to put the bracket back on.

 Thanks for that............ the whole concern centered around discovering the starter  mounting area on the block had weld repairs

The original owner assured me he had no issues with starter.............. just trying to avoid as many problems as possible.



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Beaumont4008


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Looks like this is another item I will need to get for my 396 build. Good thread and warning to all to avoid any future damage to there blocks.

 

Ian



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Beaumont4008


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Just ordered one from local dealership $11 and change one week delivery. Comes from State side.

 

Ian



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73SC


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I currently have access to three starters, two from a 350 and one from a 454. The 350 ones have the stud needed to attach the bracket BUT the 454 one does not. 



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Ray White, Toronto ON

1973 LeMans 454 "Astro-Jet"

Built March 9, 1973 - Oshawa ON

1993 Corvette Convertible LT 1

Built January 10, 1993 - Bowling Green Kentucky 

 
4SPEED427


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You can swap them around as long as the body of the starter is the same length.

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
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